While everything that has happened in our past certainly contributes to who we are today and influences how we respond to life’s events, our past does NOT have to dictate the future. We are not destined to failure because of past mistakes as long as we have learned from them and use wisdom moving forward.

So I will continue to repeat this one last time, just to avoid any misconceptions or misunderstanding: these words are excerpted from one of Joyce Meyer’s books (published in April 2014), entitled You Can Begin Again [NOT an affiliate link–I do NOT profit from mentioning or promoting her books!]:

“As long as you think tomorrow

is dependent on yesterday,

your future will never be different from your past.

God sends His mercies new every morning,

but you have to receive them.

The best thing you can do about yesterday is to forget it.

Whether you succeeded or failed, it’s over.

It’s time to look ahead.

When tough days start to pile up,

when bad reports start to pour in,

and when you begin to wonder

if this is the new normal for your life,

remember that today can be different.

Make up your mind to live differently;

praise your way to victory;

give God the construction project;

and understand that your history is not your destiny.

When you do, you’ll discover something new.

Your life will be more than a casual anecdote.

It will be the heroic, dramatic, lifesaving encounter

with the living God

that will give you hope and enthusiasm for every day.”

–Joyce Meyer

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So what is the next step in pursuing our purpose? Make the decision to accept that your past does not determine your future or your destiny, and keep moving forward.

~~*~~

So what do YOU think?

Do these concepts and quotes resonate with you? Can you relate?

Are you prepared to move forward by leaving the past behind where it should stay?

Hi Karen, This discussion comes up often in my substance abuse treatment groups. Young or old the focus is on “I use because…” The tale always mentions something that was done or not done to or for them by an adult or another child. As the facilitator I ask open ended question regarding whose responsible for you now. Will your story change if you take that next drink or next smoke on the pipe? Weeks of discussions goes into how to turn it all around. Some get it and the ones that attend 12 Step meetings here that message more so are very helpful in the groups. Thanks for this journey you took us on. I know it will serve many very well.